Today: May 21, 2025
It was an excellent day.
Last night I spent it planning some moves in the Glasshouse.
We have an 82 year old man, last name Valdes like mine, with several medical issues in a certain room that personally for him is not a great setup for him and I can’t stand to know he is in this specific room in those specific conditions.
We have Rivero, the 89 year old man three rooms away.
We have Gibson who is 80 years old, three rooms away from the restroom, and it he was asked to pack his things, which to me means, time to take advantage of that open bottom bunk.
I speak with Readon who is on the top bunk of Gibson’s room and ask him if he is okay with Rivero coming into his room, and he tells me, “Eddie, anything you do, I know it won’t be bad for me. Bring him here, it will be better for him”.
I grab a sheet of paper, and write down Rivero’s information and the room numbers he will be changing from and to where he is going. Below that I write down Valdes’ information and the room number he is in, plus the room he is going into.
I see on the callout sheet that today Wednesday there are several guys on there for Admission and Orientation, so I know the counselor will be in early.
Gibson is gone. We were happy to see him go, but sad to see him leave. We wish him the best to wherever he goes.
I am up early, using the restroom, getting ready. I grab the sheet of paper with the information of the room changes and head to the counselors office. The case manager is in there as well; I knock, am welcomed in, I say good morning.
Counselor: “How can I help you?”
Me: “I need you to work your magic, if you can and if it is possible”, as I hand him the sheet of paper.
Counselor: “What is this?”
Me: “Gibson left last night as you know. I am providing you Rivero’s move, which will help him be closer to the restroom. Valdes will get out of that specific room, and be put where Rivero was, which will be much more comfortable for him”
Counselor: “This is perfect, I will get it done right now. Just make sure they are physically moved before the 4pm count, and I need a favor from you.”
Me: “No need to ask, I am already dressed and ready to assist you at the orientation this morning, and don’t worry about Rivero and Valdes, I will make sure their moves are done. Thank you so much. I will be downstairs waiting when you are ready.”
Back in the Glasshouse, I move Rivero’s mattress, and then move Valdes’. Rivero is still mentally waking up, so I tell him to try and organize what he can, and we will move it before lunch. I ask Campos to help him with whatever he can, because I need to be at the orientation and will be back as soon as I can.
At orientation, I take attendance of all those entering the chapel. I translate for several staff members, including staff from Education, Facilities, Chapel, Psychology, and Re-Entry (which is my supervisor). I play the PREA video on the big screen, and verify each person signed the Admission Orientation acknowledgment sheet, and provide them to the counselor in charge.
Back in the unit, I see my case manager, as he had some information for me, then I get ready for the call to lunch. Rivero is not going, and now Valdes has his own walker, so I walk with Aquino over to lunch. Burger day; I had my two small patties and was gifted two other patties by “Julito”. I used the small lettuce pieces as the bread for the burgers, put the tomato slices in between, and dipped into the ketchup; NO BREAD! except for the fries, which were not bad.
Once again on my way back to the unit, belly full. I drink some water, and wait for the call to work. It is so hot outside, and the Glasshouse A/C is not working as normal, the filters need to be cleaned.
I arrive at Education, and wait for my supervisor. I sweep a bit in the office as he goes over his emails, and one guy from the construction area comes in asking for access through the rear door to get his tools returned to the tool room. Thankfully he has a drill, and drill bits. Thank you God for sending him, I ask him to help hang the television in the office, “Nic” let’s him out the rear door, and he does. The television is finally mounted!!!!!! One more step closer to a better Re-Entry department.
“Nic” sends me on my way, will see him tomorrow. I have some cafecito with the guys in Education and wait for the last move back to our units.
Tonight is our last night of band practice before our concert tomorrow in the rec yard. We take the first move after count over to the music room in the rec yard. I help the first band, “Air Traffic Control” with the soundboard as they practice their songs, hoping that by 6pm the worship guys show up to practice on our last day.
No one arrived to practice, the guys had to take the move over to Education, so I stayed behind to organize the things we will need for the concert tomorrow and test the cables making sure everything we use is in good working condition. I found several cables damaged, or non working and turned them in to the officer and then practiced singing a song as my new associate, P.K. played on the guitar.
We are all sent back to our units at the 8pm move. We take the long walk around the lake. P.K, continues into his unit and I continue towards mine and as I am walking I meet up with my Colombian buddies. It is truly amazing how many different people from different countries, with different cultures, accents, attitudes; so much diversity. I will say my Spanish has excelled in the last 1344 days.
I’m hungry. The spam pack, with crackers I ate at 3pm was insufficient, and I have so many ramen soups, I quickly prepare one for myself with a pork cracklings. Calls made, family is doing great.
I grab my things and head to the available shower.
“Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.”
[Psalm 16:8]
Thank you God for always being in my presence. Thank you for your faithfulness, thank you for always letting me feel you around me protecting me and guiding me. Please Lord, keep all darkness from my mind, and always keep me looking forward, and continuously staying humble, helping those in need, and bringing smiles to those in need. Thank you Father for all you do. Amen.
Eduardo Luis Valdes
02499-506
May 21, 2025
22:56
